Nobody in the world predicted the Falcons would get off to such a porous start. The team is currently on pace to pick fourth in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here’s the first edition of my 2020 mock that I hope may distract you from the season’s downfall.
Round 1: EDGE Chase Young, Ohio State
Finally, a star pass rusher and the best defensive prospect in the 2020 draft, if not the best prospect in the draft. At about 6’5″, 265, Young is an absolute wrecking ball as a 4-3 defensive end. He’s incredibly stout against the run and possesses immaculate gap integrity. He truly is versatile enough to play in any defensive scheme. Young can play 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 edge rusher, both at a really high level. With the typical frame for a modern day pass rusher, he is explosive in every aspect of the game. His snap anticipation, burst, release, and his fluidity are really impressive. Young is considered a generational talent at defensive end.
Round 2: LB Troy Dye, Oregon
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Whether the Falcons decide to revert back to a 4-3 base defensive alignment or continue deploying 3-4 looks, the team needs firepower at linebacker beyond Deion Jones. It’s truly what they’ve been lacking for a while now. De’Vondre Campbell is wrapping up tackles well but is a complete liability in coverage. Heading into the 2020 season, Campbell becomes an unrestricted free agent. So in this scenario, Dye steps in to play the WILL linebacker position, while Foye could slide over to the SAM linebacker spot. Dye is a high-energy, incredibly disruptive linebacker. The Falcons sent four scouts and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to the matchup between Oregon and Colorado, so perhaps Dye is on their radar. Nonetheless, they add a running mate to star middle linebacker Deion Jones.
Round 3: DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
The Falcons lack true interior defensive line gap integrity behind Grady Jarrett. Plus, aside from Jarrett, there isn’t a true long-term plan at the defensive tackle position. Truthfully, they’re going to need a 1/3 technique that can penetrate gaps in a 4-3 alignment. I find it hard to believe the Falcons remain a 3-4 base team, as they’re getting eaten alive week by week. Add in Madubuike who has great line versatility and initial burst, and both Jarrett and Madubuike will see lots of one-on-one opportunities. At nearly 6’3″, 305, Madubuike is impressive as a pass rusher. If the Falcons opt to keep Tyeler Davison at the 1 technique, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities to kick Madubuike slightly outside.
Round 4: S Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech
With injury scares being a common theme at safety, the Falcons may look to add a big nickel safety; a safety who can cover and run the box. If Keanu Neal ends up becoming injury-prone, Atlanta is going to need a guy who can fill his role against the run and cover tight ends if need be. With Floyd, the team can run big nickel looks or three safety sets as well. Arguably, Floyd’s biggest trait is his physicality, which is certainly a need at strong safety in this scheme. At 6’0″, 221 pounds, Floyd has the right set of characteristics to fit as a Falcons safety.
Round 5: LG John Simpson, Clemson
Well, the Falcons went all out on the offensive line in the offseason, spending $80 million to be exact. First-round pick Chris Lindstrom went down with an injury earlier in the year and the unit has been generally bad. Even now, the Falcons have a gap at left guard. They’ve shifted between James Carpenter and Wes Schweitzer throughout the year. If youth is the theme of the offensive line, adding a new piece at left guard would make sense. Simpson would allow the Falcons to run more inside gap runs that they’ve run this season. However, unlike Carpenter, Simpson is a monster that can move. He’s 6’4″, 340 pounds and can reach the second level like a 310-pound guard. As of now, he’s a day three guy, but his stock is rising fast.
Round 7: CB Jaron Bryant, Fresno State
The Falcons usually don’t use their seventh-round picks but in this instance, they grab a really impressive special-teamer who could also serve as a depth piece in a secondary that may see some change this offseason. Bryant is one of Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy’s prospect sleepers to look out for.
